Solar Photovoltaic Installation
A.A.S. - Occupational Degree
Students enrolled in this program using a nationally developed curriculum will develop knowledge and skills to successfully install photovoltaic panels. The student will gain a basic understanding of electrical theory, wiring to proper code requirements, proper safety and panel mounting, panel positioning and tie-in to the commercial grid. Students will have the skills necessary to enter the workforce as an entry level solar panel installer.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate 1) basic knowledge in the installation of both residential and commercial photovoltaic panels preparing them to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Examination. 2) competency in communication, critical thinking, quantitative analysis and technological applications prepare the student for career opportunities in the manufacturing industry with an emphasis on plant electrical operations and solar technology.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the obligations of workers, supervisors, and managers to ensure a safe work place (NCCER module 00101-09 – Basic Safety, subject to revision).
- Discuss the importance of following general safety rules, knowing first-aid, selecting proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), proper grounding and the use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s).
- Demonstrate proper usage of a digital multimeter (DMM) in the measuring of voltage, current, and resistance.
- Explain the purpose and rating process of over current protection devices.
- Prepare cable ends for terminations and splices and connect cables using lugs or connectors.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of safety.
- Recognize common and hazardous situations on the job site and use precautionary methods to minimize risks.
- Describe how the electrical load, solar radiation and operating temperature affect the electrical output of a PV device.
- Describe the purposes and functions of the major components in PV systems.
- Explain the basic types of inverters used in PV systems.
- Differentiate between the approaches and methodologies for sizing different types of PV systems.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office or with a Faculty Advisor.
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEC 100 | Core Curriculum Introductory Craft Skills | 5 | Major Requirement |
| ECT 105 | Basic Electricity | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECT 110 | AC/DC Circuits | 4 | Major Requiremen |
|
ENG 100 or ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Introduction to Composition or Freshman Composition 1/GE |
3 | GE- Composition |
| 15 |
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECT 115 | National Electrical Code | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECT 205 | Fixtures and Installation | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| ECT 210 | Control Circuits | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 | Freshman Composition 1/GE | 3 | GE- Composition |
| or | |||
| ENG 102 | Freshman Composition 2/GE | ||
| MAT 105 | Mathematics for Applied Sciences or higher level approved math | 3 | GE- Mathematics |
| 17 |
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECT 220 | Electrical Installation | 5 | Major Requirement |
| ECT 225 | Load Calculation | 3 | Major Requirement |
| TEC 140 | Roofing Construction & Safety | 2 | Major Requirement |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE- Social and Behavioral Science |
| ENV 101 | Environmental Science (recommended) | 4 | GE- Physical and Biological Sciences |
| 17 |
Fourth Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLR 105 | Intro to Solar Photovoltaics 1 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SLR 110 | Intro to Solar Photovoltaics 2 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| MFG 195 | Materials Science and Metallurgy | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| CIS 120 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE- Additional Courses |
| PHI 105 | Ethics/GE | 3 | GE- Humanities |
| 15 |